The Beatles "Butcher" cover inquiry

[Brad]

Wasn't there a fairly recent "American Picker's" episode where they picked up this record?

I thought the blurb was that they could sell upwards of $20K. The one they bought had some condition issues and I don't think they made it clear as to whether it was a paste over or not. I believe they paid $2K for it and they buy to make money. Yours appears to be in better condition than the one they bought so I have to think without knowing all the details that this is a $4-$5K album in your hands.

I saw that episode and I am pretty sure they paid a grand for it. Just go do a quick search on completed eBay auctions and you will see what the vast majority sell for. Mainly in the $4-1000 range. There are exceptions like the auction posted earlier in this thread with the first state, stereo in G-VG condition for $3500. The main two things that killed the value of these are the economy and that the decal can be professionally removed with excellent results. As with everything condition is king and the one the Pickers bought was pretty rough from what I remember. I doubt they "banked" on that purchase.

Here is a search on completed listings so everyone can get an idea of value. Now the one ealdrett has been involved with is very unique which is why it is a cool story so I can't even count that one but for $3500 someone got a very nice first in stereo. Nice condition with no splits etc.

beatles butcher cover | eBay

[Earth 2 Chris]

Okay, what's the deal with this. I could Google it, but I'd rather hear it from you guys. It will be more fun.

What the hell were they thinking? Was this before or after Lennon's Jesus comment?

And isn't McCartney a vegetarian?

Chris

[Mikey]

Okay, what's the deal with this. I could Google it, but I'd rather hear it from you guys. It will be more fun.

What the hell were they thinking? Was this before or after Lennon's Jesus comment?

And isn't McCartney a vegetarian?

Chris

I don't think it was the Beatles idea

It was a modern artist (photographer's) idea

The Beatles, being bored with classic photo sessions decided it might be fun.

Harrison actually didn't like the idea calling it gross, but he went along.

It wasn't until afterwards a photo from this session was given to Capitol records to be used on the Yesterday and Today cover.

I don't think the Beatles even gave it much thought --- not really caring what was on their American LP covers (at that time).

It wasn't a big deal as far as the Beatles were concerned ...

Many people don't realize these "butcher" photo's were not ment to be on an album when they were photographed

[SeattleEd]

Mikey,

It was a Beatles idea. They were upset as to why Capitol "butchered" the track listing of all their UK albums and changed them to make "more" albums and have fans buy more. It's ridiculous and their motto was to never let the fan buy it twice. More so from George and John since they were the hard core record collectors of the bunch.

It was statement and the funny thing, yes, they submitted the new artwork for them and the heads of Capitol didn't get wind of it until it was already been produced and some shipped.

I believe they ended up getting shipped to Canadian stores and then recalled while the US versions were halted by the distributors and recalled. I heard some records did get them ahead of time and ended up being secretly carted away and sold. Don't know but that's what I've heard over the years.

I don't think it was the Beatles idea

It was a modern artist (photographer's) idea

The Beatles, being bored with classic photo sessions decided it might be fun.

Harrison actually didn't like the idea calling it gross, but he went along.

It wasn't until afterwards a photo from this session was given to Capitol records to be used on the Yesterday and Today cover.

I don't think the Beatles even gave it much thought --- not really caring what was on their American LP covers (at that time).

It wasn't a big deal as far as the Beatles were concerned ...

Many people don't realize these "butcher" photo's were not ment to be on an album when they were photographed

[SeattleEd]

Gotta love the internet and the quick communications it brings together. Global village.

So...I contacted Jim Hansen over at Blue Jay Way Galleries in Texas who Brad mentioned. Yes, well known authority of peeling Butchers and well known in the Beatles collecting community. I recall seeing his ads and examples in Goldmine and at records shows around L.A. Top notch and recommend he do your unpeel job.
According to him, he as never seen the example I presented but thinks someone could have unpeeled it and pasted it onto the back. But wasn't sure so he gave me Perry Cox's email and I contacted him. I also told Jim that that thought crossed my mind but NO WAY could this be since it's immaculate. It does look like it came right out of the pressing plant. I mean it's beautiful to see in person.

So I contacted Perry and he got back to me in a flash. Here is what he said:

"Based only on your images, which cannot be completely conclusive. It does appear to be an error production as you state. As such, and in the condition it appears to be in, I'd say at least $7500 to $10,000+
PRetty unique!"

Jim's response: Ed,

Thanks so much for the update. I bow to Mr. Cox's expertise.

Jim Hansen
Blue Jay Way Galleries Texas"

There you have it. This guy holds, so far, one of a kind cover to ever surface and you seen it and heard it here first folks. I think it is history in the making for Beatles collectors. I need to tell the owner to have it authenticated ASAP by Perry in person. Again, I never had that much blood rush to my head after seeing it at first glance. It was unbelievable and being a big Beatles fan and a fan of this cover, it was like finding undiscovered treasure.

[Brad]

"Based only on your images, which cannot be completely conclusive. It does appear to be an error production as you state. As such, and in the condition it appears to be in, I'd say at least $7500 to $10,000+
PRetty unique!"

HOLY %@*&!!


Like I said, I am no expert and it shows what I know.


If your friend does get this kind of money for it I really do hope he tosses you a bone for all the work you have done for him.


Thanks for the update. Keep us informed as this has turned out to be a very fun and interested thread.

[pmwasson]

Wow! Amazing story. Thanks for sharing it with us Ed! Please let us know what happens.

[Blue Meanie]

I bet you Perry tries to buy it off of him. One thing I've noticed with Perry's auctions is that he gets RIDICULOUS prices for his stuff. I mean a fine to NM Lady Madonna sleeve would probably get the regular Ebay Seller anywhere from $50 - $100. Put it in Perry's hands and he'd get $250 - $300 for that same exact cover. I guess the fact that he is THE Beatles guy besides Bruce Spizer when it come to all things Beatles Collectibles helps out. Perry is a cool guy to deal with. I had a Butcher Poster that looked to be original and went back and forth emails with him and he helped me out big time. If it wasn't for a little "Lightning" affect in the Title of Y & T it looked to be an original...but it wasn't. Very Cool guy to deal with.

[Cosmicman]

Looks to me to be a "paste-over" on the wrong side.

Neat piece.

Hard to value, but I know WAY MORE than $1000.00

Exactly.

[Adam West]

I remember seeing one show up on Antiques Roadshow years ago. The person who owned it said she was the original owner and bought it at Sears. The appraiser confirmed that it was sold in the U.S. at Sears for one day before being pulled, talked about the glue over, etc. I don't remember the appraisal number given but it was a lot. This is a great story.

[Brad]

I remember seeing one show up on Antiques Roadshow years ago. The person who owned it said she was the original owner and bought it at Sears. The appraiser confirmed that it was sold in the U.S. at Sears for one day before being pulled, talked about the glue over, etc. I don't remember the appraisal number given but it was a lot. This is a great story.

$10-12,000. I remember that one and it was a great story!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/200302A14.html

[Mikey]

I have a question ... a tad off topic.

Did the butcher cover ever appear on the reverse adds of other American Beatles LP's ?

[david_b]

I don't know if you all want to hear this, but my Mom found me a Stereo copy of a pasted over Butcher in the mid-80s for a quarter at a rummage sale here in Wisconsin.

I don't know enough about which version of stereo, but I know it's not a 1st or 2nd state, haven't look at it in years. I believe it's the black label (rainbow edge).

I just looked for Ringo's black turtleneck a couple of inches under the 'Y' in 'Today' and there it was. I did pull up the bottom left corner about an inch to see John's pants leg underneath, then just left it pasted on.

Yes, she spent a whole quarter. I so miss rummage sales before the Internet came.

david_b

[megoat]

Cool discovery.

As an aside, I must say that 2nd state butcher covers gotta be the most common "rare" record around. Of course I mean that they are not rare at all.....

[Nostalgiabuff]

i still hit rummage sales. they are great. church tag sales too, I figure the old ladies will clean out their basements/attics and maybe i will find a treasure